8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING – RONGAI ROUTE
From
Duration
Tour Type
Tour Overview
Route Description:
This route offers beautiful views of Kenya’s Maasai Plains. This route is the least visited, thus offers a quiet environment and is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It offers a gentle gradient and has some unspoiled flora and fauna.
| Route Way Points Time ( Approx) |
| Rongai Gate to Simba Camp 4 hrs |
| Simba Camp – Kikelwa Camp 6 -7 hrs |
| Kikelwa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn 4 -5 hrs |
| Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Campsite 5 hrs |
| Kibo Campsite – Uhuru Peak 6- 7 hrs |
| Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut 5 hrs |
| Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate 5- 6 hrs |
Description
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and we’ll transfer you to Springlands Hotel/ Alternative Hotel in Moshi where you will overnight in preparation for your climb the next day.
Day 2: After breakfast we will transfer you to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Most clients like to stay at SIMBA CAMPSITE but there is 1ST CAVE CAMSITE also. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3: The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant scenarios near KIKELEWA or 2nd CAVES CAMPSITE where you will overnight. (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking]
Day 4: A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMPSITE or 3RD CAVE CAMPSITE [3-4 hours walking]
Day 5: We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School/KIBO CAMPSITE (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
Day 6: We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final Campsite at Horombo (HOROMBO CAMPSITE) (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking].
Day 7: A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). [5-6 hours walking]. You will be transferred to Springlands Hotel or Alternative Hotel in Moshi for overnight.
Day 8: Departing day– You will be provided with the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Price per person
1 Pax – USD 2110
2 -5 Pax – USD 1885 Per person
6-10 Pax – USD 1790 per person
Important notes:
- The luggage that porters are allowed to carry is limited to 35 pounds ( i.e 15kg)
- Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10 per bag per day
- You are advised to leave extra luggage at your hotel in moshi or at our office ( do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics, etc)
- Portable toilets: If you are concerned about using public toilets a portable toilet is available for an extra cost of USD 180 per group. This service must be confirmed at the time of booking.
Information on Tips for the Mountain Crew
Mountain Guide – USD 20 per day per group
Mountain Cook – USD 10 per day per group
Porter – USD 8 per day per group
